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sora vs sts

STS or SORA. Which one do I need and why?

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Those who want to become professionally active in the field of drones will sooner or later encounter the same question:
Do I need STS or SORA?

The answer is not the same for everyone. It depends on:

  • the type of flight
  • with what Drone I will attempt
  • the environment
  • the frequency of work
  • and the professional objective of the operator or company

To be clear, let’s keep it simple. STS (Standard Scenarios) are predefined flight scenarios created by EASA so that professionals can perform specific demanding flights without the need for a specific study each time.

Today there are two main ones:

  • STS-01
  • STS-02

With the STS:

  • you know in advance what is allowed
  • you follow certain rules
  • you are trained and certified
  • and you can fly legally in many professional applications STS are the fastest and most practical solution for the majority of professionals.

SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) is not a licence, nor a simple certificate.
It is a detailed risk study, tailored exclusively to a specific business and activity.

With SORA:

  • a detailed description of what the undertaking wants to do
  • all possible risks are considered
  • procedures and security measures are established
  • and approved by the Civil Aviation Authority SORA is necessary when flights are not covered by STS.

When do I need STS

STS are ideal when:

  • the flights are frequently repeated
  • are within the limits of the predefined scenarios
  • involve typical professional tasks

For example:

  • photography & videography in urban areas
  • building inspections
  • technical works
  • mapping with specific distances
  • professional missions with a clear framework For most professionals, STS are the first and essential step in their development.

When do I need SORA

SORA is required when:

  • the flight cannot be performed at STS
  • there are special circumstances
  • the project is unique or highly specialised

Examples:

  • flights over large crowds
  • B-VLOS missions
  • special industrial or government applications
  • projects with increased safety requirements SORA is a solution for companies with a specific project, not for routine daily flights.

STS or SORA: which is better?

There is no “better” in general.
There is more appropriate.

  • STS are:
    • more simply
    • faster
    • more economical
    • ideal for continuous professional activity
  • SORA is:
    • more complex
    • more demanding
    • adapted to special needs
    • necessary only when there is no other solution

In practice: Most practitioners start with STS and only when necessary move on to SORA.

A common mistake

Many believe that: “If I do SORA, I don’t need STS”

In fact:

  • the SORA relates to a specific activity
  • the STS cover general professional operation

Many businesses have:

  • STS for everyday tasks
  • and SORA for specific projects

The role of the right guidance

The choice between STS and SORA should not be made lightly.
One wrong step can:

  • unnecessarily increase costs
  • delay the start of work
  • or restrict the activity

This is why proper guidance is crucial.

Patras Drone Academy is one of the few schools in Greece that:

  • train certified in STS-01 & STS-02
  • have experience in SORA & Operation Manuals
  • can properly guide professionals and businesses

The goal is not just certification, but:

for each professional to choose what he or she really needs.

The dilemma of STS or SORA is not a matter of choosing between prestige and prestige, but of the right strategy.

  • Do you want to work professionally, frequently and safely? → STS
  • Do you want to perform a special or complex project? → SORA

In both cases, the right guidance makes a difference.

 

 

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